Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
James 1: 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
It's great when we sign up for it but when we enter it we sometimes want to retract our prayers. Who really loves going through tough stuff. I like it when you're on the other side of it and it's over. But it seems that when we get away from our focus that these things that happen are designed to us draw us closer to Him. I say this a lot "Everybody points out Judas but few are there when you bare your cross like John". The truth is outside of the compassion Christ has placed in us we as humans left to our own nature are selfish and self seeking creatures. We try to care the best way we know how but there is a limit. Even when somebody has gone the extra mile for us if we don't understand what God placed in us through His Son we only have sympathy (which is a emotional exchange, a pat on the back then we move on with our lives). We don't know like when Jesus touched the women at the well it will affect an entire city. We don't go through things for ourselves but so that this life, this hope that is placed in us can be demonstrated by action. Jesus told the disciples to follow me. Jesus only did what the father told Him to do and created a movement that still rocks the world today. But He had to go the garden, the trials, the abuse and the cross. This is the part of the Christian walk that is not easy and many of us don't understand. He was hated because what He preached and lived rock "the political and religious boat" of the time. It challenged dead tradition and introduced the new covenant. It angered the rulers and religious leaders of the day. Imagine if Jesus said I have no sin and man is on His own. We would be in bad shape. No Jesus exampled what we should do in these situations. Even when we were enemies of God Jesus died for us. He was MOVED with compassion. He bore His cross that led to the glorious resurrection. Let's embrace this cross in our life. It may even baffle the "disciples" in our life but when the dust clears the greater plan of God will shine through.
-Shamik
